Mother Mary Elizabeth Fox, 87, of Benton Harbor transitioned on July 3, 2017, at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville.

Services will be held Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at Iraelite Baptist Church, 1715 Highland Ave., Benton Harbor, with viewing at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. Interment at Crystal Springs Cemetery, Benton Harbor.

Mary was born Feb. 9, 1930, in Heth, Ark., to Rufus Striblet and Eddie Della Moore. Mary lived out her childhood in Arkansas and in 1967, she and her late husband, the Rev. Clarence Fox moved to Benton Harbor to make a better life. She was baptized at an early age at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. She later joined Israelite Baptist Church where she maintained her membership and served faithfully as a mother in the church. She worked dutifully in the healthcare profession and worked at Memorial Hospital and Clairmont Nursing Home for over 30 years. She enjoyed cooking, fishing, and activities with her family. 

Mary is survived by her children: Autis Mae (James Charles) Williams of Atlanta, Lula Mae Robinson of Benton Harbor, Lorraine Woodard of Benton Harbor, Monroe Woodard of Fairfield, Calif., Brenda Lee (David Palmer) Fox of Benton Harbor, Linda Jean Fox-Taylor of Benton Harbor, Purnell (Barbara) Fox of Grand Rapids, and Mary Louise (Donald) Fox-Hill of Benton Harbor; siblings: George (Mae Bell) Washington of St. Louis, Rose Edward (La Tisha) Washington of East St. Louis, Ill., Charlene (Otis) Swannigan of Benton Harbor, Sylvester Washington of St. Louis, Anne Collins of Forrest City, Ark., and Annie Mae (Larry) Smith of Forrest City, Ark.; daughter in law, Linda Jean Woodard; 25 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; and 19 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, the Rev. Clarence Fox; sons: John Woodard, Rufus Fox, Isaac Fox, Alfred Fox; daughter, Ruth Fox; and brother, James Washington.

 Service Information